Tugboat related issues, comments, and opinion.

Aug 28th 0545; Irene continues…Condition Zulu

Condition Zulu; My morning watch starts dark, gray and windy. We’re anchored and holding well with 4 shots in the water. With the barometer at 983mb, temp 65f and heavy rain the winds are gusty but they’re not anywhere near hurricane strength right now. The TV news is calling for the worst of the storm to hit this area between now and 0800. I hope to be able to get some video of the eye’s approach, and that’s only if I don’t have more pressing concerns by then.

Why the Hell do newscasters think they need to stand out on a windswept street corner during a heavy weather event? It strikes me as being about as idiotic as you can get. Is the producer trying to get rid of their “meteorologists”? They’re standing in 40-50kn winds telling you not to try and stand in 40-50kn winds. I don’t wish them harm, but maybe if a billboard or two flew by their “perch”, maybe they’d get the message.

So far only one unit (that I know of) dragged last night in our little piece of the river. The tug and light barge got caught in a heavy gusting easterly and ended up against the bank under the Palisades. No blood, no foul…they were able to get free and head up to a spot up off Hastings, NY. As far as I know they’re anchored and holding. We’re at a respectable 23′ draft and don’t suffer the wind’s sheering effect as much. It’s good to be deep.

We’ve just about finished swinging to the incoming tide and the wind is howling a bit more often . I’m setting up my camera now so I don’t have to mess with it later, I’m hoping for some decent visibility. I’m also hoping my truck doesn’t end up floating away into the Kill Van Kull.